Date: Jan. 25, 2011
To: SkyWest Team Members
From: Chip Childs
Re: New Flying for Alaska Airlines
SkyWest team,
Today we are excited to announce a new agreement with Alaska Airlines for contract flying on the West Coast with five CRJ700 aircraft. The deal is a capacity purchase agreement, meaning the flights will be fee-per-departure, and provides everything we’re looking for to ensure the SkyWest team is taken care of: organic growth, strong partners and additional upgrade and growth opportunities for our people.
We anticipate the flying will begin in May, and the routes, likely in the Pacific Northwest, will be announced in the coming weeks. As many of you are aware, Alaska is moving their Horizon operations to all Q400 flying, but there is still a strong economic demand for the CRJ700 in certain areas of Alaska’s system. Given our operational credibility and experience, as well as our efficient economics, SkyWest is able to fill this demand. Additionally, we are pleased to join forces with a strong airline that shares a similar culture and commitment to service.
I know you’ll have many questions about the details of our partnership, the flying and our plans prior to May’s launch. Our operational teams will immediately begin preparations to receive the aircraft and begin service, and we’ll certainly keep you informed every step of the way. In the meantime, please read the Q&A below and watch SkyWest Online for the latest information.
There’s work to be done, and we’re excited about the potential of this new opportunity for SkyWest!
Chip
Q&A
SkyWest Airlines secures agreement with Alaska Airlines
Alaska Air Group announced today that Alaska Airlines has reached an initial agreement for SkyWest Airlines to acquire the five remaining CRJ700s in Horizon Air's fleet and operate them under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA).
Why Alaska?
Alaska is a solid airline with an exceptional reputation for customer service and satisfaction. The deal fulfills a number of SkyWest’s growth objectives: organic growth, strong partners and additional upgrade and growth opportunities for our people. Given our operational credibility and experience, as well as our efficient economics, SkyWest is able to fill some of Alaska’s demand, and we are pleased to join forces with a strong airline with a similar culture and commitment to service.
What’s the timeline for aircraft deliveries and in service?
The current plan is for SkyWest to receive the five CRJ700s from Horizon beginning in April and to begin flying by summer. In order to get these aircraft painted in their new livery, some of the flights may need to be temporarily operated with CRJ200s until the transition is complete.
What routes will we be flying?
The routes will be announced in the coming weeks. We anticipate that the five aircraft will operate certain routes on the West Coast where the CRJ700 can still provide the best economics. We plan to begin flying these routes in May, and we’ll share the route detail once finalized.
What will the livery be?
These CRJ700s will likely sport a version of the Alaska livery. A final decision on this is expected shortly.
Will there be a First Class on these SkyWest-operated Alaska flights?
No. These CRJ700s will be in an all-Coach 70 seat configuration.
Will we receive travel privileges on Alaska flights?
We are still finalizing the operational details of the agreement. We’ll keep you informed of any travel privilege updates via our regular communication channels.
What can you tell us about Alaska Airlines? Following are some key facts about our newest partner. About Alaska: carrying more than 17 million customers a year, Alaska's route system spans more than 60 cities and three countries. The Alaska Airlines fleet of Boeing jets is one of the youngest among all major airlines. And its reputation for outstanding service consistently earns best U.S. airline recognition from the likes of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines. Hubs: Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles. Provides service to destinations in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, Hawaii; as well as Canada and Mexico. Firsts: Alaska was the first airline in North America to sell tickets online and first in the world to allow customers to check in and print boarding passes via the Internet.
To: SkyWest Team Members
From: Chip Childs
Re: New Flying for Alaska Airlines
SkyWest team,
Today we are excited to announce a new agreement with Alaska Airlines for contract flying on the West Coast with five CRJ700 aircraft. The deal is a capacity purchase agreement, meaning the flights will be fee-per-departure, and provides everything we’re looking for to ensure the SkyWest team is taken care of: organic growth, strong partners and additional upgrade and growth opportunities for our people.
We anticipate the flying will begin in May, and the routes, likely in the Pacific Northwest, will be announced in the coming weeks. As many of you are aware, Alaska is moving their Horizon operations to all Q400 flying, but there is still a strong economic demand for the CRJ700 in certain areas of Alaska’s system. Given our operational credibility and experience, as well as our efficient economics, SkyWest is able to fill this demand. Additionally, we are pleased to join forces with a strong airline that shares a similar culture and commitment to service.
I know you’ll have many questions about the details of our partnership, the flying and our plans prior to May’s launch. Our operational teams will immediately begin preparations to receive the aircraft and begin service, and we’ll certainly keep you informed every step of the way. In the meantime, please read the Q&A below and watch SkyWest Online for the latest information.
There’s work to be done, and we’re excited about the potential of this new opportunity for SkyWest!
Chip
Q&A
SkyWest Airlines secures agreement with Alaska Airlines
Alaska Air Group announced today that Alaska Airlines has reached an initial agreement for SkyWest Airlines to acquire the five remaining CRJ700s in Horizon Air's fleet and operate them under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA).
Why Alaska?
Alaska is a solid airline with an exceptional reputation for customer service and satisfaction. The deal fulfills a number of SkyWest’s growth objectives: organic growth, strong partners and additional upgrade and growth opportunities for our people. Given our operational credibility and experience, as well as our efficient economics, SkyWest is able to fill some of Alaska’s demand, and we are pleased to join forces with a strong airline with a similar culture and commitment to service.
What’s the timeline for aircraft deliveries and in service?
The current plan is for SkyWest to receive the five CRJ700s from Horizon beginning in April and to begin flying by summer. In order to get these aircraft painted in their new livery, some of the flights may need to be temporarily operated with CRJ200s until the transition is complete.
What routes will we be flying?
The routes will be announced in the coming weeks. We anticipate that the five aircraft will operate certain routes on the West Coast where the CRJ700 can still provide the best economics. We plan to begin flying these routes in May, and we’ll share the route detail once finalized.
What will the livery be?
These CRJ700s will likely sport a version of the Alaska livery. A final decision on this is expected shortly.
Will there be a First Class on these SkyWest-operated Alaska flights?
No. These CRJ700s will be in an all-Coach 70 seat configuration.
Will we receive travel privileges on Alaska flights?
We are still finalizing the operational details of the agreement. We’ll keep you informed of any travel privilege updates via our regular communication channels.
What can you tell us about Alaska Airlines? Following are some key facts about our newest partner. About Alaska: carrying more than 17 million customers a year, Alaska's route system spans more than 60 cities and three countries. The Alaska Airlines fleet of Boeing jets is one of the youngest among all major airlines. And its reputation for outstanding service consistently earns best U.S. airline recognition from the likes of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines. Hubs: Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles. Provides service to destinations in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, Hawaii; as well as Canada and Mexico. Firsts: Alaska was the first airline in North America to sell tickets online and first in the world to allow customers to check in and print boarding passes via the Internet.
